Charles William Protasio
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Charles (Chuck) Protasio passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on March 9, 2023. He was born and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania as the eldest son of William Protasio and Dorothy (Walters) Protasio.
Chuck was an ordinary man, who loved his family, country, and believed in a merciful God. As a child, his favorite memories were the weekly Sunday get togethers at his grandmother/Stack family home following morning Mass. A parade of aunts, uncles, and cousins would filter through with good food, lively discussions, humorous jokes, and a genuine feeling of family love prevailed. Chuck’s family instilled within him the character traits that shaped his life – a love of family and country, the importance of an education, respect for the dignity of others and the work that they do, a strong work ethic, high standards, and seizing the opportunities to improve oneself.
Chuck graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1974. He was part of Company H-1 (Hawgs). His classmates made his West Point days memorable and created a support system for the rest of his life. After graduating USMA, he continued to serve his country for 20 years.
While in the Army, Chuck served in the Field Artillery, was on General Staff, was an Assistant Project Manager for a large Corps of Engineer project and retired in 1994 as head of the ROTC program at Michigan State University with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His favorite assignment was in Augsburg, Germany, where he met his best friends, Ben and Anna. He also obtained a graduate Business Administration degree from Boston University and a graduate degree in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) while serving in the Army.
Chuck met his wife, Patricia, at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1986. They married in April 1988 and shared almost 35 years of love together. Pat was Chuck’s “Angel on Earth” who gave him the blessings of being part of a real family and every day made him a better man. He was blessed with three daughters, three son-in-laws, and six grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family.
After military retirement, Chuck embarked on a 24-year career with the Kansas Department of Transportation, primarily as a Civil Engineer. For the last 14 years of his career, he was a member of the Bureau of Program and Project Management. He enjoyed working with his work-family, a small but important group of professional, talented, and dedicated people who truly focused on KDOT’s mission.
Chuck loved traveling with his family. He loved exploring new places with Pat. They would often take day trips around the country and have wonderful vacations. Two of his favorite memories were landing in an airplane and walking on a glacier near Mt. Denali, as well as taking his family to Hawaii.
He began running at the age of 64. Chuck became a member of the Lawrence Trail Hawks and ran both paved and trail running events. He completed numerous 5Ks, two Kansas Half-Marathons, and The Hawk Trail Marathon. He assisted in numerous fun runs and races for Garry Gribbles Running Sports.
Chuck is survived by his wife Patricia Protasio; his brothers James Protasio (Debra) of Williamsport and John Protasio (Stow, Ohio); daughter Sheena Shearburn (Tylor) and their three children Margo, Daphne and Miles; daughter Chelsea Baker (Alex) and their two children Connor and Odessa; and Kara Baden (Josh) and their son Flynn. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Marie Protasio.
There will be no public viewing of the body. His remains will be cremated. A funeral/memorial mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 22, 2023, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, Kansas.
The family suggests memorials in his name to the American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Chuck had a good life, blessed with a loving family and filled with wonderful memories to treasure. Special thanks to all the people at DaVita and LMH Oncology for all their care during the last three years as Chuck battled multiple myeloma.
I am deeply sorry to hear of Charles’s passing. I wish that I had known him better, but always found him to be thoughtful and friendly during our conversations as neighbors.
Pat,
I am so sorry about Churck. What a nice man he was. Please know you are in my prayers. May he Rest in Peace!
Cristy
Bob and I will miss seeing Chuck as he was always puttering around your yard- making it looking so lovely….and grilling out! He and you are in our prayers….
Deloris and Bob smith
How sorry we are for Chuck’s passing, our thoughts are with the whole family. I will miss Chuck’s ready smile when he was outside and saw a neighbor turning the corner coming home!
I will miss Chuck with his quick smile and concern for the needs of others, especially his girls. He was a wonderful person and leaves a great legacy of love behind. Many sweet memories. Prayers for you Pat and your daughters!
Kara and Josh, Dee and I offer our condolences on the loss of your father. I enjoyed racing him at local races and the after run chats and working with him at the Shoreline Shuffles. I remember him as a good grandfather to Flynn. Prayers for you and your family.
Gene
Im so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I enjoyed running with him at the running club nights in Lawrence!
After reading the obituary for Chuck Protasio, I realized that I missed an opportunity to have him as a friend and neighbor. We both grew up in Pennsylvania, close to the Susquehanna River, both were military retired, close to the same age and most recently close neighbors. In the few times I had to speak to Chuck, I thought he was a guy I would really like to spend time with, sharing past experiences and making a new friend. Unfortunately, Neta and I moved to Lawrence too late to have that time.
As neighbors, I hope that Pat will not hesitate to ask Neta or me for help with anything needing the help of an extra hand. I am fairly handy at fixing things and would consider using my shop to do something helpful, my pleasure.
My deepest condolence to the family during this period. Chuck was a true man of character and integrity. His presence here on earth will be missed. His legacy will be ever present.
Peace and comfort,
Jeff Cerny
West Point Classmate, H-1
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your family’s loss. As a West Point Classmate, with our unique life-long bond, Chuck’s memory as a kind, caring, thoughtful, and selfless individual will forever live on in our hearts. Yet Chuck’s deepest joy and reason for being was his beloved family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you, Pat, and your family.
Neil Krukar
West Point Classmate, H-1
Chuck was a bright light interwoven in our 45 year friendship. He was uplifting and loved by all who encountered him. Chuck gave meaning to “seize the day” even in his last days. We will miss him but forever be influenced by his positivity. Love and admiration from Ben and Anna.
Chuck and Pat have been our neighbors and become our friends over the past several years.
Chuck’s accomplishments during each of these past 3 years, as he lived with his terminal illness, surpassed anything I ever accomplished in a year.
I fondly referred to him, more than once, as the ‘energizer bunny’.
He loved and enjoyed his family, there was no doubt, and traveling to new places.
We will be here for Pat whenever we can !
We extend our sincere condolences to all of Chuck’s family and friends feeling his loss.
Sue and Gary Fincham
A few years ago Chuck showed my wife, Emilie, and me a great act of kindness that will not be forgotten. His obituary is spot-on reflective of the man who was so gracious to us.
Our sincere condolences to Pat and her family. My Chuck rest in peace.
I never got to meet him but knowing Pat I am sure that he was special
Condolences to family and friends
Keeping you all in my prayers. I knew Chuck via his KDOT career, and I always found him to be such a kind, humble, and giving person. I enjoyed his quick smile and active wit as well.
I knew Chuck from his work at KDOT. I found him to be strait forward and pleasant to be around. Certainly one of the people I that I could depend on for answers.
I have fond memories of working with Chuck at KDOT. I could count on him to listen to my perspective from HR when we worked on issues while making his perspective clear as well.
Nicki and I met Chuck and Pat only recently.
We were both impressed by their obvious devotion to one another and interest in others.
Chuck’s life was full of accomplishments.
He was truly a man of substance.
Pat and family,
My deepest condolences to you. I had the pleasure of hiring Chuck and bringing him to Kansas and the KDOT family many years ago. We worked together until his retirement. He was the upmost professional at work. His love and pride in his family was always present. I remember seeing Kara growing up in front of us as he was always sharing photos and telling stories of her accomplishments and the family travels.
I have been blessed to have known Chuck.
Prayers to you.
My condolences. I remember Chuck as he would stroll to my section in KDOT to check on the status of upcoming projects for letting. He was a great friend and I enjoyed talking to him about his family trips and seeing the pictures of the grand kids. He had a great positive spirit. He will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. Chuck was a fine man and a good Catholic. I enjoyed serving as a LEM with him at Corpus Christi. May he rest in peace.
Our sincerest condolences to all of you. We worked with Chuck in Grafenwoehr, Germany in the 1980’s. We remember him as a very kind, humorous and caring person . May your memories of him help you during these times. Tom and Marian Austin